As Disney continues to dominate the entertainment landscape, 2025 promises to be a monumental year with a slate of highly anticipated films spanning Marvel superhero epics, nostalgic live-action remakes, and groundbreaking animated sequels. Here’s your ultimate guide to Disney’s 2025 theatrical releases, complete with synopses, star-studded casts, and SEO-friendly insights to keep fans informed and excited.
1. Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Genre: Superhero/Action
Synopsis: Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) takes up the mantle of Captain America in this politically charged thriller. The film pits him against a global conspiracy involving President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), who transforms into the Red Hulk, and The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), a villain last seen in The Incredible Hulk (2008). Giancarlo Esposito joins as Sidewinder, a manipulative antagonist leading a shadowy organization 2412.
Cast:
- Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America
- Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk
- Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/Falcon
- Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns/The Leader
2. Thunderbolts*
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Genre: Superhero/Antihero Team-Up
Synopsis: Marvel’s answer to Suicide Squad, this film unites morally ambiguous characters like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell) for a high-stakes mission. The mysterious asterisk in the title hints at twists involving Robert Reynolds/Sentry (Lewis Pullman), a character with god-like powers 21012.
Cast:
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier
- David Harbour as Red Guardian
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Genre: Superhero/Sci-Fi
Synopsis: Marvel’s First Family debuts in the MCU with a retro-futuristic twist. Set in the 1960s, the film follows Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they battle Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a planet-devouring entity, and his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) 4612.
Cast:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch
- Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer
4. Disney’s Snow White
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Genre: Live-Action/Musical
Synopsis: Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White in this reimagining of the 1937 classic, featuring new songs by La La Land composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen, while the Seven Dwarfs are reimagined as magical creatures in a story blending tradition with modern flair 71213.
Cast:
- Rachel Zegler as Snow White
- Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen
- Martin Klebba as Grumpy (one of the Dwarfs)
5. Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action)
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Genre: Family/Adventure
Synopsis: This remake of the 2002 animated hit follows Lilo (Maia Kealoha), a Hawaiian girl who befriends Stitch (voiced by original director Chris Sanders), a chaotic alien experiment. The film retains the heartwarming themes of family and belonging while updating its visual style with CGI 21213.
Cast:
- Maia Kealoha as Lilo
- Chris Sanders as Stitch (voice)
- Sydney Elizabeth Agudong as Nani
6. Elio
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Genre: Animated/Sci-Fi
Synopsis: Pixar’s original story follows 11-year-old Elio (Yonas Kibreab), who is mistaken for Earth’s ambassador by aliens. The film, directed by Coco co-writer Adrian Molina, blends humor and heart as Elio navigates intergalactic diplomacy and self-discovery 4813.
Cast:
- Yonas Kibreab as Elio
- America Ferrera as Elio’s mother
- Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon
7. Zootopia 2
Release Date: November 26, 2025
Genre: Animated/Comedy
Synopsis: Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) return to solve a new mystery involving a disruptive reptile in Zootopia. The sequel explores themes of unity and diversity while introducing fresh characters like Gary, a snake voiced by Ke Huy Quan 71213.
Cast:
- Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps
- Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde
- Ke Huy Quan as Gary
8. Avatar: Fire and Ash
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Genre: Sci-Fi/Adventure
Synopsis: James Cameron’s third Avatar film continues the saga of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) on Pandora. Expect breathtaking visuals, new biomes, and deeper exploration of Na’vi culture 4612.
Cast:
- Sam Worthington as Jake Sully
- Zoe Saldaña as Neytiri
- Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine
9. Freakier Friday
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Synopsis: Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reunite for this sequel to Freaky Friday (2003). Anna (Lohan) now navigates motherhood and a blended family, leading to another magical body-swap chaos 41213.
Cast:
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman
- Lindsay Lohan as Anna Coleman
- Manny Jacinto as Anna’s fiancé
10. Tron: Ares
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action
Synopsis: Jared Leto stars as Ares, an AI program invading the real world. Jeff Bridges reprises his role as Kevin Flynn in this visually stunning sequel that explores humanity’s clash with artificial intelligence 41213.
Cast:
- Jared Leto as Ares
- Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn
- Evan Peters as a human ally
Why 2025 Matters for Disney
2025 marks a strategic shift for Disney, blending nostalgia (live-action remakes, Zootopia 2) with bold new narratives (Elio, Thunderbolts). The Marvel Cinematic Universe expands its Multiverse Saga with The Fantastic Four and Captain America, while Avatar: Fire and Ash aims to replicate its predecessors’ billion-dollar success. With genres ranging from superhero epics to heartfelt comedies, Disney ensures there’s something for every audience 248.
